Chapter 2: "Paths of Blood"

(Taro walks behind Kenji through the streets of Tokyo. Neon lights reflect in the puddles of fresh rain. Around him, the city is bustling with life, but he feels a weight on his chest.)

Taro (thinking): "No matter how much I run... I always end up here. Like I'm tied by invisible chains."

(They pass an alley where two men in black suits guard the entrance to a building. Kenji enters without a word, and Taro follows him with resignation.)

(Inside the building, a bar exclusive only to the yakuza. Tattooed men smoke and drink in silence. In the background, sitting on a red leather sofa, is Gojirou Matsumoto, the leader of the clan and Taro's father. His gaze is cold.)

Gojirou: "Taro... you finally decide to introduce yourself."

(Taro crosses his arms, without sitting down.)

Taro: "It's not like I have a choice, right?"

Gojirou: "If only you understood what's at stake, you wouldn't speak so casually."

(Kenji sits down next to Gojirou and lights a cigarette.)

Kenji: "Have you seen the news? James Kitsune is dead."

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(Taro nods. The tension in the room grows heavier.)

Gojirou: "The balance between clans has been broken. The Kitsune family will not sit still."

Taro: "So what? I have nothing to do with it."

(Gojirou glares at him harshly.)

Gojirou: "You've always had something to do with it. From the day you were born, Taro."

(Taro clenches his fists, but says nothing.)

(Gojirou stands up, walks over to a table, and pulls out a folder of documents.)

Gojirou: "James's murder was not a simple hit. It was a message."

(He opens the folder and takes out a photo. In it, James Kitsune's body is covered in blood, with a symbol drawn on his chest.)

Kenji: "This symbol... it's been used before. In the war between the Matsumoto and the Kitsune, 20 years ago."

Taro: "...What does it mean?"

(Gojirou exhales slowly before answering.)

Gojirou: "That the real war is just beginning."

(Taro feels a chill. The thought of an all-out war between clans makes him feel even more trapped. He turns around, ready to leave.)

Taro: "That has nothing to do with me."

(Gojirou slams the table hard, causing everyone in the room to fall silent.)

Gojirou: "You're my son! You carry the Matsumoto name in your blood!"

(Taro stands still. Finally, without looking at him, he answers quietly.)

Taro: "Maybe I don't want to be a Matsumoto."

(The entire room falls silent. Kenji looks at him with a mix of surprise and concern.)

Gojirou (in a cold voice): "If you keep up that attitude... you'll end up like James."

(Taro closes his eyes for a second, then without answering, he walks out of the bar. He knows he's just sealed his fate.)